Leicester head coach Geordan Murphy said his side turned in an 'appalling performance' after shipping a heavy 41-10 defeat to Bristol in the Gallagher Premiership yesterday.

The Leicester legend and former Ireland star took over the club following the departure of Matt O'Connor, who was sacked as head coach after just one league game this season.

It has been a mixed campaign for Leicester since, with yesterday's 31-point loss to the newly promoted side a low point.

Speaking to the club's Twitter account after the game, Murphy gave a blunt assessment of his side's display, and asked the Leicester supporters to stick by the players ahead of next weekend's Champions Cup clash away to Racing 92.

"An absolutely appalling performance. We are devastated. It's one of those things, we probably won't speak until next Friday. I've asked the boys not to do any media. I know it's going to be absolutely brutal for our fans to take. I hope they stay with us. We are in a bit of a hole and we just have to keep digging until we get out of it."

Leicester have won one and lost one of their opening two Champions Cup games, while they sit in seventh in the Premiership table after three wins and six losses from nine games.